This 2-hour 18-minute film was a blockbuster, created history with its theatrical run for 175 days, now ruling on YouTube and OTT after 45 years, the film is…
In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, many films come and go. While some come and entertain us for a bit, others fade as quickly as they come. But there are rarely a few gems that not just entertain but create an experience that stays with the audience for years to come. One such example of this is a blockbuster that came out in the year 1980, which created history then, and even today, 45 years after its release, it continues to resonate with the audience and rules on OTT and YouTube.
The film that we are talking about is none other than Alibaba Aur 40 Chor.
Making of the film
Directed by Umesh Mehra and Latif Faiziyev, the film featured a star-studded cast including Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Zeenat Aman, Prem Chopra, and Madan Puri, among others. Besides the power-packed cast, this film offered great visuals, as it was shot across breathtaking locations in India and Uzbekistan, giving the film an international appeal.
A Tale That Blended Fantasy and Adventure
The plot of the film centered on Alibaba, a poor woodcutter who struggled to make ends meet by cutting wood in the jungle. His life took a turn around when he stumbled upon a mysterious cave where forty thieves hid their treasure. By utilizing his intelligence, he leverages that wealth to assist the poor and the villagers. But his greedy brother gets trapped in the cave and dies. Later, Alibaba discovers that the real leader of the bandits is Kaji. He defeats all of them and saves his village.
When this film was released, it was one of the biggest-budget films of its era. It had a theatrical run for 25 weeks and became the eighth highest-grossing film of the year. Besides being a massive success in India, it was equally appreciated in the Soviet Union, where millions of people watched it, which further cemented it as a global hit. Songs like Khatooba Khatooba became chartbusters, and the film’s larger-than-life sets and cinematography impressed audiences worldwide.
Revival in the Digital Age
Years later, when the film was released on OTT, it once again captivated the new age audience and its loyal fans, going trending for weeks. The film is also available on YouTube in HD quality, attracting millions of views from both old fans and new generations. For those who grew up watching it, the film is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while younger viewers are discovering its magic for the first time.
Story Highlights:
- Alibaba Aur 40 Chor created a history with its theatrical run for 175 days.
- Alibaba Aur 40 Chor became the eighth highest-grossing film of the year.
- It is now trending on YouTube.
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